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Mountain Navigation
After three previous editions and a number of reprints, Mountain Navigation has now sold over 28,000 copies. This fourth edition is proof that Mountain Navigation has become THE reference book for those who wish to learn to find their way around in the mountain or hill country
- GenresNonfictionMountaineering
58 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 9, 2023
Traditional methods of using map and compass.
Peter Cliff (Honorary Member of the International Federation of Mountain Guiding Association - IFMGA), explains learning to navigate, in his easily understood and ‘well illustrated with simple, easy to follow diagrams’, in his concise manual.
Content list:
Map Reading: Signs, grid ref, scale, interpreting the map.
The Compass: Types, uses, bearings.
Estimating Time: Simple system, Naismith’s rule.
Estimating Paces: Conditions underfoot, flat, uphill, downhill.
The Altimeter: Useful for Alps, not worthwhile for Britain.
Bad Weather Navigation: Preparation, route card, easy access to map and compass, aiming off, attack point, rope-up, steady pace, concentration, high wind, deep snow, sudden mist or cloud, white-out, precision v. judgement.
Alpine Glacier Navigation: Differences between British and Continental Maps.
If Lost ….: Two stages of being lost.
Conclusion: Two types of data.
Time needs to be spent to practice, practice, practice, on the ground, in different terrains and weathers.
Becoming familiar with ‘navigation techniques required to make your way efficiently in the hills ….. and improve the enjoyment you derive from the time spent exploring the hills and mountains’. Iain Peter (2002).
Peter Cliff (Honorary Member of the International Federation of Mountain Guiding Association - IFMGA), explains learning to navigate, in his easily understood and ‘well illustrated with simple, easy to follow diagrams’, in his concise manual.
Content list:
Map Reading: Signs, grid ref, scale, interpreting the map.
The Compass: Types, uses, bearings.
Estimating Time: Simple system, Naismith’s rule.
Estimating Paces: Conditions underfoot, flat, uphill, downhill.
The Altimeter: Useful for Alps, not worthwhile for Britain.
Bad Weather Navigation: Preparation, route card, easy access to map and compass, aiming off, attack point, rope-up, steady pace, concentration, high wind, deep snow, sudden mist or cloud, white-out, precision v. judgement.
Alpine Glacier Navigation: Differences between British and Continental Maps.
If Lost ….: Two stages of being lost.
Conclusion: Two types of data.
Time needs to be spent to practice, practice, practice, on the ground, in different terrains and weathers.
Becoming familiar with ‘navigation techniques required to make your way efficiently in the hills ….. and improve the enjoyment you derive from the time spent exploring the hills and mountains’. Iain Peter (2002).
May 8, 2019
I've read many expositions of the skills and techniques needed for navigating British upland country and this is by far and away the best. This edition doesn't cover GPS navigation and I don't know if there is a more recent edition that does - but it doesn't matter - electronic devices can and do fail, GPS service can be disrupted - so you need to be able to do it the old fashioned way, with map and compass. This book teaches you how, as best as text can. You still need to go out on the hill and practice, though.
February 2, 2016
I've used a compass to get my bearings probably twice in my life and I've always had a more experienced member in my party to guide me so I never really needed one. However, I'm planning to go on more hikes this year and I want to have at least some basic orienteering skills.
This book is small enough to carry it in your backpack as it has only 62 pages of content but I feel it has enough information to help you safely navigate most mountains. It's obviously not a complete reference on orienteering but it's enough to get you started.
Just to set the expectations right, this is an introductory book. It will teach you a couple of things about reading maps, like how to understand contour lines, how to use a compass to get a bearing, how to estimate speed and distance and some basic advice on what to do when things go bad. I'd say that the purpose of this book is to allow you to get started with orienteering.
This book is small enough to carry it in your backpack as it has only 62 pages of content but I feel it has enough information to help you safely navigate most mountains. It's obviously not a complete reference on orienteering but it's enough to get you started.
Just to set the expectations right, this is an introductory book. It will teach you a couple of things about reading maps, like how to understand contour lines, how to use a compass to get a bearing, how to estimate speed and distance and some basic advice on what to do when things go bad. I'd say that the purpose of this book is to allow you to get started with orienteering.
June 6, 2023
Very useful
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October 22, 2023It’s seriously dense. Set some time aside to practice (not just read) the advice, or the information could easily escape your mind as you turn the page.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews